NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has already logged 190 complaints between January and August 2025, with more than half resolved or under investigation, and is preparing to launch a mobile app and vendor verification system aimed at strengthening accountability and consumer confidence in the marketplace.
CPC Executive Chairman Senator the Hon. Randy Rolle made the announcement during the 21st Abaco Business Outlook conference, where he said the Commission’s focus is on creating trust between businesses and consumers while ensuring fair practices across industries.
“At the CPC, our mission is clear: to protect consumers, empower business owners, and create a fair marketplace for all,” Rolle said. “But I don’t want you to think that the Commission is only about enforcement. We also empower the consumer markets through education.”
Consumer complaints have surged in recent years, climbing from 151 in 2023 to 444 in 2024, with 70 percent resolved. In 2025 so far, the Commission has logged 190 cases, of which 82 have been resolved and 71 are under active investigation. Among the most common grievances are overcharging, hidden fees, undelivered or expired goods, damaged products, and poor service from contractors. Shipping and courier firms accounted for the highest number of complaints in 2024, though Rolle noted reports in that category are showing signs of decline.
To strengthen redress and improve transparency, the CPC is developing a mobile app that will allow Bahamians to file complaints and track cases directly from their phones. Rolle described the initiative as a “game-changer in bringing consumer protection into the digital age.” The Commission is also advancing plans for a vendor verification system modeled after global platforms like Alibaba and Shein, designed to give consumers the ability to check a vendor’s credibility before making purchases while helping authorities enforce standards more effectively.
“This is about creating a modern, trusted consumer marketplace that meets global standards while serving local needs,” Rolle said.
Referencing Abaco’s ongoing post-Hurricane Dorian recovery, Rolle stressed that fair business practices are central to economic resilience. “Fair business practices are not just good ethics; they are good economics,” he told attendees. “When customers trust you, they return. When they feel respected, they spend more. A fair marketplace builds loyalty, stability, and long-term wealth for Abaco.”
Rolle added that the CPC will continue to work closely with business groups such as the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation to help companies comply with standards and avoid disputes. Looking ahead, he said the Commission remains committed to enforcing product safety, transparent pricing, and anti-price-gouging measures while expanding consumer education through workshops, school visits, public campaigns, and digital outreach.
“To the business owners, know that trust is the foundation of prosperity,” Rolle said. “The CPC seeks to promote equity and guarantee that everyone operates on a level playing field. But rest assured that, when and if necessary, we will step in to hold businesses accountable.”
